Changing our habits to change our energy use and save money.

1. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
VIRGIN ISLANDS ENERGY OFFICE
The Mission of the VIEO is to promote energy efficiency and advocate the use of renewable energy
technology for the public and private sectors, and residents of the Virgin Islands through energy education,
outreach, financial incentives, and technical assistance.

2. ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN THE HOME
How to Save on Your WAPA Bill
Presented by: Joseph Daniel
Energy Operations Coordinator
VI Housing Finance Authority – Housing Expo
June 28, 2014

5. * It can erode the household
budget
* It can compromise a mortgage

6. * Take responsibility for your own
consumption
* By controlling consumption you control cost
* Consider carefully the following strategies,
and “make energy efficiency a way of life”

8. * Water Heater
* Air Conditioner
* Stove
* Washer/Dryer/Dishwasher
* Refrigerator
* Entertainment/Education Equipment
* Electric Iron
* Lighting
* Water Pump

10. A voluntary partnership of the
U.S. Department of Energy,
the U.S. Department of
Environmental Protection
Agency, manufacturers,
retailers, utilities, and state
organizations worldwide.
ENERGY STAR promotes the development and sale of high
quality energy efficient products that exceeds federal
specification for energy use.
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=about.ab_index

11. * This guide tells you
how your equipment
compares with others
of the same size in
terms of energy use.
* Check the arrow to see
how you are doing on
the scale.

12. Incandescent CFL LED

13. * Phantom loads are insidious
energy robbers
* Turn off your power strips to
destroy them

14. WaterSense helps people save water with a product label and
tips for saving water around the house. Products carrying the
WaterSense label perform well, help save money, and encourage
innovation in manufacturing.
www.epa.gov/watersense/about_us/index.html

15. * Fix all leaks & drips
* Use water saving showerheads
* Use faucet aerators
* Use low flush toilets
* Wash full loads

18. * Good sunlight
* Flat or south facing roof
* No shading
* ADVANTAGES: Simpler
installation and
permitting, simpler
maintenance (no moving
parts), long lifetime (up to
25 years), and
unobtrusive

19. * By using sunshine to heat
or preheat your water, you
can cut your water heating
bill by more than half
* ADVANTAGE: The average
life expectancy of certified
solar water heating
systems is 20 years, much
longer than standard gas
or electric storage water
heaters

20. ACT 7075
* Solar water heater systems are required for new
construction or major renovations
* Must provide no less than 70% of water heating
capability

21. * Net metering lets
you enjoy full
power even when
your system is not
producing
* You can operate without the expense of
batteries
* The back-up from WAPA is essentially free
* DOWNSIDE: You have no power when WAPA
is down

23. * The building orientation
can have an impact on
heating, lighting and
cooling costs
* Orienting the most
populated building spaces
toward north and south
exposures to maximize
daylighting and natural
ventilation benefit

24. * A well designed building maximizes the use of natural
lighting without compromising energy efficiency
* Daylighting is the use of natural light, through
skylights and windows, to complement or replace
interior electric light

25. * Locate Windows with
Daylighting in Mind
* Low-emittance (low-E)
Glazing Windows
* Seasonal Window Shading
* Tubular Skylights
* Rather than simply cramming
in as many windows and
skylights as possible – balance
light’s benefits with its side
effects: heat gain/loss and
glare

26. * Obtained by
having windows
in both sides of
the room,
causing airflow
across the space
* Keeps room dry
and evaporates
moisture
* Designing for cross ventilation in buildings allows
for passive cooling and reduces the reliance on air-conditioning

27. * Results in less material being sent to disposal facilities, which
saves landfill space and further reduces greenhouse gas
emissions and other pollutants
* Common building applications of these materials:
* Building facing material
* Ceiling tiles
* Flooring
* Poured concrete foundations
* Insulation
* Masonry blocks

28. * Provides shading by
blocking sunlight &
keeping house cooler
* Ideal when constructed
on the west, east or
south facing areas of
the house

29. * There are many types to select from, levels are
specified by R-value per inch of material
* Slows heat transmission
* Reduces noise and vibration
* Improves a building’s fire resistance
* Impedes air leakage and moisture
* Can add structural strength
* If you super-insulate, need to ventilate

30. How it works: Low–E Glass – helps reduce the transfer of heat
through the window, typically used on multi-pane windows with
argon gas-fills. In our climate, the low-E coating is applied to the
outer layer (east & west facing windows).

31. * Provides shade to cool your
home’s walls, windows &
roof
* Plant bushes, shrubs or
climbing vines with a trellis
to shade your patio or porch
area
* Avoid locating plants that
require frequent watering
close to your home
* Aerate your soil and group plants with similar
watering needs together to minimize water usage

32. * Gives you a measure of energy independence
* It helps to keep the planet green
* More importantly, it keeps the green in your pocket
Let us make Energy Efficiency a way of life!

33. Contact:
Virgin Islands Energy Office
4605 Tutu Park Mall, Suite 231
St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: (340) 714-8436 | FAX: (340) 776-1914
Website: www.vienergy.org